Detroit, MI – June 11, 2025
The Detroit Lions, eyeing Super Bowl LX, face a gap at edge rusher. A bold trade offer targets Bengals’ star Trey Hendrickson, unhappy in Cincinnati, to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
Hendrickson, with 17.5 sacks in 2024, skipped Bengals’ minicamp June 10, risking fines. His demand for a new contract signals unrest, making him a prime Lions target.
The Lions propose a 2026 second-round pick for Hendrickson’s $21 million deal. Detroit’s $42.36 million cap space can absorb his cost, boosting their pass rush.
Cincinnati’s stalled talks with Hendrickson, reported by The Athletic, weaken their stance. A second-round pick could sway Bengals GM Duke Tobin to avoid a holdout.
Hendrickson’s 43.5 sacks since 2021 would transform Detroit’s defense, ranked 24th in sacks. Pairing him with Hutchinson’s 7.5 sacks creates a nightmare for quarterbacks.
Lions GM Brad Holmes, known for savvy trades, sees Hendrickson as key. His addition could elevate Detroit’s 15-2 squad past their 2023 NFC Championship loss.
Bengals’ high demands once deterred suitors, but Hendrickson’s absence shifts leverage. Detroit’s offer aligns with Dan Campbell’s aggressive push for a title.
Without coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, Campbell needs a spark. Hendrickson’s elite play could keep Detroit’s Super Bowl window wide open.
Skeptics say rookies like Tyleik Williams suffice, but Hendrickson’s proven dominance trumps untested talent. He’d outshine past targets like Maxx Crosby, per MLive.
As training camp nears, Detroit’s pursuit electrifies Lions Pride. Landing Hendrickson could redefine the NFC. Will Holmes seal this blockbuster? Stay tuned to ESPN.
